Youth Voice Matters – Why Celebrate Black History Month?
Rather than having our staff explain why it is important to celebrate Black History Month, we recommend going straight to the source. Watch this short video of young people explaining why Black History Month is important to them. These youth voices provide insight into the impact of trail-blazing Black leaders on generations of young people and why understanding their history helps them understand who they are today. For example, seventh-grader Damani explains “It doesn’t matter if you're Black, if you’re white you should always celebrate it because you know the struggles Black leaders went through in order for you to be here right now.”
Resources for Teachers
Black history is our history! It is important to include and highlight the accomplishments and contributions Black and African-Americans have made in creating the world we live in. Teachings should go beyond the month of February. However, this month-long celebration offers an opportunity to highlight, celebrate, and encourage all students to understand and talk about the Black experience. Click below for resources that provide ideas for engaging students throughout the month and exploring parts of history that may not be highlighted in traditional history books. #BlackHistoryIsHistory  

Early Childhood: Highlighting Black Authors & Illustrators
Highlighting Black authors and illustrators serves as an age-appropriate means of introducing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills while learning about historical Black figures. Students learn about stories of courage, goal setting, purpose, advocacy, social- and self-awareness, and the impact that these individuals’ actions had on others. Keturah Bobo and Vashti Harrison are two examples. Click below for read-aloud book links. 

Social Media Spotlight

Black History Month 2022 theme: “Black Health and Wellness” - Sharing information from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): The theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” explores "the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well."

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